5-year-old boy turned away from school for long hair

HOCKLEY, Texas – A 5-year-old boy was turned away from school Thursday because of the way he looks.

Ursula Martin said when she tried to enroll her son at Roberts Road Elementary, 24920 Zube Road in Hockley, officials there told her that her son’s hair is too long and would need to be cut.

The school’s dress code does not allow for a boy’s hair to go beyond a shirt collar.

Martin said the family recently moved to Hockley from Katy, where the length of her son’s hair was not a problem. She also said her son’s hair is a religious statement.

“He doesn’t feel like he should have to cut his hair to go to school. And I don’t understand — what does the length of his hair have to do with him being educated?” Martin said.

Waller Independent School District officials said they are working to resolve the conflict with Martin.

“The principal of each campus shall apply the grooming code and make all final decisions regarding what is acceptable and appropriate, considering the age and activities of the students,” a statement from the school district read.” Guidelines and administrative decisions regarding appropriate dress will reflect concern for health and safety of students and the influence of specific dress or grooming on the overall educational climate of the school.